Lens cutting machine



Jan. 22, 1957 o. w. DILLON LENS CUTTING MACHINE Filed Dec. 9, .1.954

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 V l@ 49 1 l. 81a/ 39 40 48 473 /Zqlg i f n L 'Kvm 0 INVENTOR. oscAR wb mLoN nlllllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIU ATTORNEY Jan. 22, 1957 Filed Dec. 9, 1954 `4 Sheets-Sheet 5 s V' :s1

leo lss 's 162 1:; l,I les f=- los I3! las no :2a fi es 1% 7l INVENTOR OSCAR w. 'mLLON ATTORNEY Jan. 22, 1957 o. WfDlLLON 2,773,115

LENS CUTTING MACHINE Filed Dec. 9, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. OSCAR w. mLLoN ATTQRNEY United States Patent O 2,778,115 LENS CUTTING MACHNE Oscar W. Dillon, Sturbridge, Mass., assigner to American Optical Company, Southbridge, Mass., a voluntary association of Massachusetts Application December 9, 1954, Serial No. 474,183 16 Claims. (Cl. 33-28) machine embodying a novel arrangement whereby the cutting tool thereof, when initially placed in engagement with the surface of the lens to be cut, will automatically tour shape being provided A further object is to wherein a lens, during a under provide a lens cutting machine controlled pressure upon the work-supporting table substantially normal to the surface: of :the lens at the point of engagement therewith, and wherein said means combine and function cooperatively fso that quickly interchanged.

A still further object is to provide cutting cycle, is held securely become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a top plan view of a lens cutting machine embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational View of the p machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional View taken substantially on line 4`4 of Fig. 3 looking inthe direction of the arrows;

Fig.` 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 5- 5 of Fig. 4 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View taken substantially on line 6 6 of Fig. 4 looking in the direction of the arrows; v

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional View taken substantially on line 7-7of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8 of Fig. 7 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 9 9 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. l0 is a plan view and associated parts of the device;

Figs. l1 and 12.are diagrammatic lviews' illustrating transversely of thelen's; and

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of other,,mechanism-z associated with the cutter for controlling itslratio of movement with respect to the former during theV cuttingf like characters of reference designate like partsthroughout 24 in adjusted position.

15 also carries a ball-bearing `.unit-32 upon which they,

table 21 Vis positioned for tion. l

Fatented Jan. 22, 1357 of the lowerlens-engagng pad"v avvenire 'lheuppe'rend portion of the shaft'19`is longitudinally bored as indicated at 33 and contains a short reciprocable member 3d which is of only. slightly smaller outside diametric dimension than the inside diameter' of ythe'bore 33. The member 3d is held in position within the bore 33 by a set screw 3S which is carried bythe wall of the shaft 19 and which extends into ajg'roove or slot 36-formed in the member 34, the groove 36 being of a controlled length permitting a limited reciprocating movement of the member34' within the bore 33. A coil spring 37 is located withirithe obre 33 betweentheend of the member 34 and the inner end wall of the bore 33 and functions to con'- stantly yieldablyl urgethe member 34 longitudinallyin a direction outwardly of the bore 33, thescrew 3'5f`unction ing to limit the extent of such movement. The reciprocable member 3 4 extendsvr through the: central openings in theannular' table 21, ring 23 and annular p'ad 24 andihas tixedly secured to the end thereof a pad-supporting'blo'ck 3Sjwhich, to preventrotation of thereciprocable member 34" independently of the' shaft 19, i`s` keyed as at 39V to the ring 23. The block 38 is thus permitted to move with the'11`11e'rnb'e`r34` as itreciprocates. The block' 38 is provided with arecess of predetermined shapeV which receives av removable mating adapter 46 carrying a pad 41 thereoni They padv 41l adapted to engage'the adjacent surface of a lens 3%"seate'don theY pad 24' and', through action of spring37, to urge the lens 30 in a `dir'ection'away from the' pad 24'. The'padl 41 m ay,jhowever, be lasuction cupwhich is removable' with the lens' Stl'as anY as-Y sembled unit. For example, the cup 41y carries ac'enter' mark or dot 42 (Fig l0) with which the lens 30 is' centered, the lens being axially alignedin known relation with thel adapter 40 when being attached thereto. Since the adapter 40" can only be mounted on block 38 in a single position4 relative thereto,- the lens 30 thus is automatically axially; aligned in l nownv relation to axis lines 2S..

With lthis construction it is apparent that the lens will revolveabont its center when the table 21 and shaft 19' v are rtatedabout the axis of the shaft 19. The table and shaft areadapted' to-be manually rotated by means of a hand crank 43 which is mounted on the outer end of a crank shaft" 44 (Fig. 4) extending through a side wall of? the'hosing 1'5.A The inner end of the crank shaft 44A carries' a-b'ev'el gear 45 which functions co-operatively with abevel' gear 46 secured to shaft 19, as by a set screw Y 46d, Fig. 2, to cause rotation of the shaft 19; Thus,

manuali rotation ofl the crank 43 will cause consequent rota-tion of the work-supponting table 21 and' the lens `30 positioned thereon.

lfhe lens-30` to be cut, as shown in Figs. l, 2 and 3, is-rr`nlyfheldon the pad 24'* of the table 21 by means of a bearing'meiriber 47 which is attached as by a universal' balli joint? connectiony 48 to the end of a clamp arm 49".

The clamp^v arm 49 is an integral projectingrp'ortion of ai clamppl'ate 50 which is pivotally attachedV for vertical swinging. movement by a hinge S1 (Fig. 2) toa bracket S2 extending upwardly' from the housing portion 16v` at one'lsidefof thel table 21".A The upper of a pair of conneoting-'rods-53-54 isconnected adjacent one end by a bal-ljt'nint'connection' 55 to the plate 50' (Figs. l, 2 and 6).

Theichneet'ing rods "53-54 aredisposed in spaced endto`endrelationwith -aspring loaded device 56 connecting the? adjacent ends thereof together. The spring loaded device` 56l cbmprisesfa cylindrical member 57 which isy partially' longitudinally bored as at 59 which has' its bored endl mounted over the adjacent end of lower connectingr'odf SiandI relatively xedly secured Lthereto as by a'pin 602v Within the bore 59 and extending through the closedendof the cylindrical' member 57y isI a headed stud j 61 which isI threadedinto'y the adjacent end of upper connecting'` rode 53', mounted' over the studv61'" within the bore 59.

and a compression springy 62 Y isv With this construction it `i'sl apparent that downward movement of' sie rewf ennecnng'me 54 will, through sie Spring..

loaded device 56 and upper connecting rod 53, pull down i' 64f'will result'.

of the connecting rods 53-54 will be increased. Uponrelease of the pressure upon lower rod 57, of course, the spring 62 will return the pants to their normal relationship.

The free end of the lower connecting rod 54 `is pivotally attached by a universal joint'63 to a crank.V arm 64 extend ing outwardly from a clutch 65 which is supported for free movement upon a shaft 66. The shaft 66 is supported at one end in a portion 112 of the housing 15 andis' journaled adjacent its other end in a bearing 67 (Fig. 4) which is secured as by bolts 66 or the like to a side wall 69 of the housing 15, the bearing 67 being located over an opening in the wall 69 and having a tubular portion 70 extending inwardlyof the housing 15 through the opening therein toward the clutch 65.

Mounted on the shaft 66 by a pin 71 on the opposite side of clutch 65 is a clutch-driving sleeve 72. The adjacent sides of the clutch 65 and sleeve 72 are provided with intertitting camming ra'c'es comprising notches 65a-72ag respectively, the notches each having one sharplyinclined side and one gradually sloping side. On

the outer end of the shaft 66 is provided a handle 73',-

thehandle 73 being secured in desired position on the shaft 66 by a set screw 74. Manual manipulation of handle 73 in a counterclockwise direction will cause operation ofthe lens clamping means through consequent rotation of shaft 66 and sleeve 72. The notches 72a on' sleeve 72j being interlocked withfthe notches 65a on cli1tcl'65, consequent rotation of clutch 65 and crank arm This will cause downward movement of the connecting rods 53--54 and spring loaded device 56 to swing plate 50 downwardly whereupon the clamp pad 47- will rest on the lens 30. To lock the clamping means and thus holdV the lens firmly in place during a cutting operation, the handle 73 is movedstill further in a counterclock'wise direction. This will cause the interlocked notches'GS and 72a to separate slightly with the gradually sloping sides of the notches sliding upon one another until a condition exists such as shown in Fig. 4. Such l continued rotary movement of the sleeve 7 2 will, through the inclined slopes of the notches, cause displacement of I the olutch- 65 along shaft 66 in a direction toward the tubular portion 70 of bearing 67. The adjacent ends ofthe-clutch 65 and tubular portion 70 of bearing 67 are'respectively provided with teeth 75 and 76 (Fig. 5). Thus,.movement of the clutch 65 toward tubular portion 70 Will cause engagement of the teeth 75-76, thus pre- Venting further rotary movement of the clutch 65.

The longitudinal displacement of the clutch 65 as described above is accomplished against the inherent tension' ofa coiled tension spring 77 (Fig. 4) which is mounted over' the shaft 66 within the tubular portion 70 of the bearing 67. One end of the spring 77 engages a ball bearing unit 78' which is in engagement with the adjacent end'- of the clutch 65. The other endv of the springv 77 engages a washer 79 which encircles the shaft 66 within tubular portion 70. vThus the clutch 65 is constantly urged by the spring 77 in a direction toward the sleeve 72. Means isrprovided for controlling the tension of the spring 77 and comprises a pin S0 which extends through a slot 81 in the shaft 66. The Washer 79 rests upon the pin 89 and the pin is adjustable longitudinally of the shaft 6 6 within the slot 81 by an adjusting stud 82 which is threadedly located in a longitudinal bore 83 formed in the outer end of shaft 66 and which engages the pin Sii.

piess or expand the spring 77 and thus provide the desired amount of tension upon the clutch 65.

It is apparent that when the handle 73 is released, the shaft 66 will be rotated in a clockwise direction whereupon the clutch mechanism will return to normal inoperative condition. Simultaneously, the crank arm 64 will move the connecting rods 53-54 upwardly, causing the plate 50 to swing upwardly on its pivot 51, freeing the clamp pad 47 from the lens 30, whereupon the lens 30 will be urged slightly upwardly for easy removal from table 21 by the spring 37.

A cutter-supporting arm 84 extends from the rear upper side of the device into overlying relation with the table 21 and has enlarged a head 85 (Figs. 1, 2 andr7) which carries a lens cutting device 86. The head 85 is bored as indicated at 87 and within the bore 87 is positioned the cutting device 86 which embodies a sleeve 8S within which, in spaced ball bearings 89, is located a spindle 90, the spindle being prevented from becoming displaced by a collar 90a thereon which rests on the lower ball bearing 89. The head 85 is split or slotted at 91 in one side thereof, with the slot 91 extending to the bore 87. Thus by tightening a stud 92 which connarrowing the slot, and clamping the cutting device 86 tirmly in place.

The outer end of the spindle 90 has secured to it a hanger or yoke 93 which supports a cutting disc or wheel 94. The edge of the cutting wheel 94 is adapted to engage the lens 30 and, as the table 21 and lens 30 are rotated, to cut the lens. The cutting wheel 94 is mounted so that it lies in a plane subtantially parallel with the path of movement of the lens at the particular point of It is apparent, however, that when a lens 30 is being provided with initially set positions.

The cutter-supporting arm 84 is provided with a pair of spaced downwardly extending ears 98 and 99, see Fig. 3, each of which carries a respective pivot pin 100-101. The pivot pins 100-101 are co'axially aligned and extend through the respective ears 98-99 toward each other, and each are provided with a tapered end which are supported in ball bearing units 102 and 103 respectively carried by the opposed sides of a main 104. Thus the cutter-supporting arm 84 is pivotally adjustable about the longitudinal aX-is 0f the pivot pins 100`101. The main supporting pla-te 104 is, in turn, pivotally attached lPto one end of a Sup-` porting bar 107 for vertical swinging movement on pivot pins 105 and 106 (Fig. 3), Ithe supporting ba-r 107 being secured adjacent its other end as by a pin 108 Ito the upper end of a vertically disposed shaft 109. The shaft 109 is rotatably mounted in bushings 110 disposed within a vertical bore 111 provided in the portion 112 of the base or housing 15 A leaf or other suitable type of spring 119 (Figs. 1 and 3) is screwed or otherwise lsecured at one end theref t-o the upper surface `of the supporting bar 107 `iand is shaped to yieldably engage the underside of the mainsupporting plate 104 and to constantly `urge. the plate 104 upwardly. In so doing, such upward movement of the plate'104 will consequently move lthe cutter-support- 104 is formed with a pair of spaced earlike portions 120 and 121 (Figs. l andH2)` and a handle or lever 123 is inserted between the earlike portions --121 and held therein as by a pin or the `like 124. The handle 123 is yshaped to extend downwardly and forwardly of the device :and is provided movement of the supporting plate 104 against the ten-` `sion of the spring 119, moving the cutting device 86 downwardly toward the lens 30 and causing the cutting wheel 94 to engage the upper surface of the lens 30.

Afore, when the arm 84 is adjusted about the axis of pivot pins 100-101, the cutting device 86 will consequently also be 'adjusted accordingly about the effective cutting as -by `an eyebolt 117 to the outer end ofthe arm 115 has its other end connected Ito a stud 118 carried by the wall 69 of the housing 15 lthus rotary movement in one direction of the shaft 109 will be accomplished against the tensionof -the vspring 116. j i,

The lens 30, of course, isto beprovided with a perimetral -contoun shape Therefore, a `patternmust be used to ycontrol the resultant contour shape Iof the lens. as vs'hownrbest in Fig. 3, the pattern 126 is removably mounted on ajshaft 127 which is rotatably mounted inr bushings 128 disposed within a vertical bore 129 formed in one end of a lever 130. The lever 130 is located within the forward portion of lthe housing 15 and has a portion 131 thereof extending upwardly Ithrough an opening 133 is provided with a angelike portion 134 forming a seat upon which the pattern 126 is adapted to be positioned and resilient depre'ssible spring grip members 135 are carried by the retainer 133 for retaining the pattern.

137l and thus prevents displacement of the lever- 130.` A`

bracket 138 is xedly mounted on the housing 15 and 140 is provided with a downwardly extending finger 141 which extends into a slot 142 provided in the end .of an,

arm 143 which is mounted' on shaft l109. The hub por- A coil spring 116 having one end connectedA of determined configuration."

In the present invention, y

The arm I pair of spaced downwardly extending ppi-tions 145 and 146,' see Fig. 5, which are` provided with coaxial openings in which are located bushings 147-148, respectively. The bushings Irotatably receive therein a transversely extending haft 149 on which a worm 150 is secured as by a pin 151. Worm 150 is constantly in mesh with a gea-r 151er, see Fig. 3, which is mountedk :on shaft 109 between the hubs 144 vand 113 and w-hich is attached directly to the hub 113 las by a screw 152.

It is apparent that any movement of the pattern supporting shaft 127 and lever 130 about the axis. of shaft 19, will, Ithrough arm 140 and linger 141, cause 'transverse swinging movement of arm 143 labout axis of shaft 109. This will. consequently cause -movement of the gear 151 through worm 150, as described above, whereupon arm i is provided with a 115 will be rotated against the tension of spring 116 and shaft 109 will consequently rotate about -i-ts axis. Such rotary movement of shaft 109 will, through supporting bar 107 and main supporting plate 104, cause cutter-supporting armp8`4 to revolve about the axis of shaft 1'09. Thus the cutting device 86 will consequently be adjusted toward or away from |the center of the lens 30.

In order to cause such motion of the cutting device 86 o during a lens cutting operation, it is necessary to rotate the pattern 126. In order to accomplish this, the shaft 19 is provided adi'acent its lower end with a pulley 153, which pulley is held in place thereon as Mounted on the pulley 153 and on a substantially similar pulley 155, which is carried by the lower end of shaft 127,

isv a belt 156. Thus rotary movement of shaft 19will be transmitted through the belt 156 and pulleys153-155 to the shaft 127 whereupon the pattern 126 will rotate'. It is apparent that thespace between shafts 19 and 127 and the relative `sizes of the pulleys 153-155 are prede'- termined so that the pattern 126 will rotate in synchronisrn with lens 30.

It is apparent from the foregoing description that coil spring 116 will function through arms 143-140 and lever 130 to maintain the pattern in constant engagement with the roller 139. However, as the pattern 126 is rotated, the irregular contour shape thereof will cause the shaft 127 to swing transversely about axis of shaft 19. This will consequently cause similar movement of the cutting device 86 whereupon the lens 30 will beI provided with a perimetral contour shape similar to that of the pattern 126.

Size control means is provided and comprises aknurled r knob 157 which is mounted on the outer end of the worm gear shaft 149 externally of the housing 15- and held thereupon as by a set screw 158 (Pig. 5). The knob 157 carries a ring 159 thereupon which is provided with a scale 160 about its circumference. The ring' 159 is retained in desired by means of a set screw 161. The scale 160 is adapted to register co-operatively with an index mark 162 on the periphery of a hub 163 which extends through the opening 15a of the housing 15 and is attached as by a set screw 164 (Fig. 5) to the downwardly extending portion 145 of arm 115. Thus, the knob 157 may he manually rotated to cause resultant rotary movement of the worm 150. This, through gear 151 and shaft 109 will cause adjustment of the cutter-supporting arm 84 and cutting device 86 as desired in accordance with the scale 160. Such adjustment js, of course, performed independently and without movement ofthe arm 1143.

Means is provided for overcoming the tension of the coil spring 116 to allow the pattern 126 to be spaced from the roller 159 and thus easily removed and interchanged. Such Imeans-comprises a bent member 132 (Figs. 3, 4 and which is mounted for longitudinal adjustment on the arm 143' as byV screws 183 which extend thereinto through a longitudinal slot 184' in= the bent' member 182. 'Ehelbent end-portion ofthe member.v 182- extends into adjan by suitable retainer 154.

relation with respect to the knob 157 'i controlled bythe amount of cent relation with the clutch-driving sleeve 72 in such'a manner that the pin 71 thereon 182 when the parts of the device are in normal inoperative position. However, of the handle 73 will, through shaft 66, cause the sleeve 72 71 will engage and urge it in the direction of the size-control knob 157. This will cause the arm 143 to rotate shaft 109 toA swing the cutter-supporting arm from overlying relation with the lens. Simultaneously arm 143 will, through arm 140', cause arm 136 and shaft 127 to swing `the pattern 126 away from the roller 139 for easy removal.

It is apparent that the presently described device can be used for cutting lenses of various thicknesses; Means is alsoprovided for tilting thel cutting device 86 automatically to a position automatically and consistently be positioned in a plane substantially normal to the tangent of the lens surface at the point of cutting wheel engagement therewith throughout the cutting cycle regardless of change of' lens thickness at the points of cutv which ref sults when the cutter moves inwardly and outwardly relative to the center of the lens as when an irregular contour shape is being formed; This is accomplished by providing the cutter-supporting arm 84 with a forked or bifurcated tilting or guide member 165 (Figs. 1 and 9), the bifurcations or guides 166-167 thereon extending substantially normal to the plane of the side of the cutting wheel 94. They guide memberl 165 may be riveted or otherwise attached' to a portion 168 of the arm 84.

A rollerV 169 (Figs. l and 9) is positioned between the guides 166---167v to cause the required tilting of the arm 84 andthe cutting wheel 94, as will be evidenced from the following description. T he roller 169 is attachedy toa vertically disposed aligning rod 1'70- (Figs. 2 and 3). The aligning rod 170 is located for limited longitudinal movement in a hollow cylindrical retainer 171 which is secured to the top 172 of the housing 15 as by screws 173. The top 172 has an opening therein through which an open end portion of the retainer extends. The aligning rod 170' is positioned within the retainer 171 and extends upwardly `out of the open end thereof. The other end ofthe retainer 171 is seated and carries an inwardly extending pin 174 on which a coiled spring 175 is posi-- tioned. One end of the spring 175 is positioned withinl a recess 176 in the adjacent inner end of the aligned rod 170 and the other end rests upon the sealed end portion of the retainer 171. Thus the spring 175 functions to continually urge the aligning rod 170 upwardl v. A set` screw 177 is mounted 1n a side wall portion of the retainer 171 and engages a longitudinal groove 178 in the aligning rod 170, the ends of the groove 178 providing stops for limiting the extent of longitudinal movement of the aligning rod 17 0- within the retainer 171'.

The upper end of the aligning rod 170 has a contact p late 17 9- screwedt or'otherwise attached thereto, the plate 179 extending into underlying relation with a second transversely extending projection 180 (Figs. 1 and 3) formed on the clampplate 50. The projection 180 carries an adjustable contact screw 181 which engages the contact'. plate 179 when the clamping device is being operated to` clamp the lens 30 firmly in place on the table 21.

The projection and screw 181 will move the aligning rod 170y downwardly against the spring 175 until the clampV pad 47- isrmly seated upon the lens 30. ln this'. way the roller 169 which is carried by the aligning rod4 170'willsimultaneously be moved downwardly an amount downward movement of the clamp pad 47 as controlled by the center thickness of thelens. Thisthereby locates thel roller 169 in a given fixed selected'position even` with the top surface of the center of theflens.

Ihuswhen the; cutt-ngrdevice .8.6 is. swung d.awr,ward.lvI

consequent rotation ofthe almost engages the member rearward or clockwise movement y also toV rotate. Thus pin` the inclined portion of the member 182' 84 and cutting device outwardly wherein the cutting Wheel 94y will4v the surface shape andthe cutting wheel 94 in a plane substantially normal to the tangent of the leus surface at the point of engagement therewith.

The cutting wheel is constantly maintained in said plane substantially normal to the tangent of the lens surface at the point of engagement therewith by the particular arrangement above described wherein the pivot point about which the cutting wheel is tilted comprises .the

center of the exposed surface of the lens 30 regardless of its thickness; also, as the cutter-supporting arm 84 swings transversely, in response to the movement of the shaft 109, tilting of the cutting device 86 to different given angles also automatically takes place. This feature is illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 1l and l2. Referring to Fig. l2 it is apparent that when the roller 139 engages a low spot on the edge of the pattern 126, the

axis of the cutter-supporting spindle mounted on the cutter-supporting arm 84 will be so tilted with respect to the longitudinal axis of shaft 109 that the guide member 165,

and inwardly on the spindle or shaft 109 relative to the center of the lens in response to the shape of the pattern 126 during the cutting of an irregular shaped lens 30.

This 1s indicated in Fig. 1l wherein 1t is apparent that will accordingly change with the ratio of change of said effective radius of movement and with thernovement of the cutting edge upwardly or downwardly with respect to the tangent atthe center of the top surface of the lens. The center about which such tilting of the cutting point of engagement therewith than has heretofore been known to be possible in machines of this character.

It is particularly pointed out that when pressure is applied to the thumbpiece to press the cutting wheel 65 94 firmly against and slightly into the lens surface during` a cutting operation, that the rocker arm 84 will simultaneously pivot a slight amount about the axis of roller 169 to an extent controlled by the amount of movement required for actual engagement of the cutting wheel 94 70 with the surface of the lens 30. Such pivotal movement combines with the function of the pivot pins 105 and 106 in permitting rotary motion of the main supporting plate 104 when pressure is applied to the thumbpece 125, to

causethe actual line of force to be applied subperpenv75 dicular to the surface' of the lens by the cutting WheelI as the lens is rotated. This has been found to resultinn a much sharper or cleaner cut, and one which does not require subsequent smoothing of the edges before the lens may eventually be finished for use.

It is also pointed out that although the problem of placing the pattern 126 handily at the front of the machine 136 (distance b) being two inches, the remaining distance c is three inches. Since it is necessary that as the pattern spindle 127'moves distance d, the cutting device should move an equal distance e. Therefore, the length:

of arm 140' (or distance x) must be determined and con trolled to provide the required amount of leverage on thef cutter-supporting arm 84. This is solved by the proportion b-i-c T as Solving this we find x=l1/s". Therefore making armi.

140, 11/5" long results lin accurate equalized movement of the cutting `device 19 in response to corresponding transverse movement of the pattern during a cutting.

operation.

From theforegoing description it is apparent that the presently described lens cutting machine embodies several; novel improvements whereby the machine more accurately, eiiiciently and easily cuts lenses to predetermined perimetral contour shapes in accordance with the objects and advantages of this invention. l

It will also be apparent that changes may be made in thedetails of construction, arrangement of parts and methods of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that all matter set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim: v

1. Ina cutting machine of the character described, a. base, a spindle rotatable in said base, a work table carried?v by the spindle for rotation therewith, a lirst lever in saidl a rocker arm pivotally attached at `one end to said shaft for movement therewith. and extending into overlying.

spindle for'rotation therewith, a iirst lever in: said base pivotalvabout'the axis of saidlspindl'e, pattern means carried by said. lever and rotatable in synchronisnrY with said work. table, a second lever extending in the opposite direction from said first lever and pivotal therewith about the axis of the spindle, 'a shait rotatably mounted in the' baseand having a' third lever thereon and movable therewith, one end of said third lever being operatively connected with one' endof said second lever, whereby rotary motion of saidshaftwill result from movement of said pattern means andirst lever about the axis of the spindle, a rocker arm pivotally attached at one end to sa-id shaft for movement therewith and extending into overlying relation with said work'. table, cutting means carried by said rocker arm, clamp means operable to engage and clamp work on said worktable in position lto be engaged by said cutting means, andpressure' means operatively connected to said rocker arm forurging said cutting means into effective cutting relation with-work on said work table.

3*.. In a cutting machine of the character described, a base, =azspindtle rotatable in sa-id base, a work table carried by: the: spindle for rotation therewith, a lever in said base pivotal about the axis-of said spindle and having diametrically. opposed long and short arms, pattern means carried by, saidl long arm and rotatable in synchronism with said work table, a shaft rotatably mounted in the base and having an operating arm thereon and movable therewith, one end of said operating arm being operatively connected with said short will result from movement ofsaid pattern means and said lever about the axis of the spindle, a cutter arm pivotally attached at one end to said shaft for movement therewith and extending into overlying relation with said work table, cutting means carried by said cutter arm, clamp meansonsaid base operable to engage and clamp' work on said work table in position to be'engaged by said cutting means, and-.pressure means operatively connected to said cutter arm forfu-rging said cutting means into effective cutting relation with work on sa'd work table.

4i In abutting machine of the character described, a base', a spindle rotatable in said base, a workvtable'carried by. the' spindle for rotation therewith, clamp means. openable to engage and clamp work on saidfworlr table, a lever in said base pivotalrabout the axis of said' spindle and having dia-metrically opposed long-,and short arms, pattern meansoarried by said long arm and rotatablein synchronism with said workY table, a shaft. rotatably mounted in the base and having one end of a shaftfcontrolling `arm thereon tand movable therewith, the. other endlof said shaft-controlling arm being operatively conneetedwith said short arm, whereby rotary. motion .of said shaft willresult from movement of said pattern means' and consequently of said lever about the axis of the spindle, a

rockerarm pivotally attached at one end tolsald shaft for movement therewith and extendinginto overlying/relation' with'zsaid work table` cutting means carried by the other end of said Vrocker arm and adapted to engage` the kwork onsaid work table, the effective` length of said rocker arm between the shaft and the cutting means being substantiallyl equal tothe effective length of the lever between said pattern means and the lconnection to said slfiaitcontrollingr length of said short arm ofthe asl to cause movement of; the

arm, and-lthe effective lever being so controlled rocker arm in one'transverse direction whensaid `pat-tern.

means is moved'in the opposite transverse directicnand whereby the extent oftransverse movement of the cutting meansv will be substantially equal ot the extent'of transverse-movement1 of thepattern means, and'-meansoparm, whereby rotary motion of said shaft between the shaft` and the cutting meansbeing substanshaft and the cutting' means cutting means? into eiective cutting' relation with' the'- work on said work table. Y

5. IfnA a cutting machine of the' character described, a base, a spindle rotatable in said base and carrying' a work table for rotation therewith',- a clamp means on' said base operable to eng-age and clamp work on said' Work table, aA rocker arm mounted on a shaft journaled in said base and overlying said work table and carrying cutting means adapted to engage work on said work table, patternA means at one end of the base rotatable' in synchronism with said work table, motion transfer means connected with said pattern means androcker arm for' moving' said rocker' arm and cutting means transversely of the base' in accordance with variations inI a pattern carried' by said pattern means, said motion transfer means com-- prising a lever inl said base pivotal about the axis of said spindle and having diametrically opposed long andlshort arms, said pattern means being rotatably mounted on' said long arm, and an operating arm mounted on said shaft for' movement therewith and operatively connected with the short armi of said lever whereby rotary motion of said' shaft will resultfrom movement of said pattern means and consequently of said lever about the axis of the spi'ndle, the eiective length of said rocker arm between the' being substantially equal to' thev effective length of the' lever between said pattern means and the connection tosaidshaft-controlling arm, and the effective length of said short arm of the lever being so controlled as to cause movement of the rocker arm in one'transverse direction; when said pattern means ismoved in theopposite transverse direction andI whereby' the extentl of transverse movement of the' cutting means will be substantially equal to the extent' of transverse movement of the' pattern means, and means operatively connected to said rocker arm for urging said cutting means into4 effective' cutting relation with work on said work table.

64; In a cutting machine of the character described,- a base, a spindle 'rotatable in said base and' carrying a worh table' for rotation therewith, clamp' means on said' base operable to engage and clamp work on said'worlr` table, av rocker arm-'mounted on afshaft journaledin' said' base andv overlying said worktable and carrying cutting means adaptedto engage work on saidlworktable, pattern' n means at one end ofthe base rotatable in synchronism with' said work table,l motion transfer means connected with' saidipattern means and rocker arm for moving said'rocker arm andcutting means transversely of the base in accordance with variations transfer means comprising a first lever in said base pivotal spindle andhavin'g said pattern means rotatably mounted thereon, a second lever extending in the opposite direc-v therewith about the tion from said'fiirst' lever and'pivotal axis of the spindle, anda third' lever on said shaft for' movement therewith and operatively connectedwith said second'-lever4 whereby rotary motion-of saidshaft will result from* movement ofl said pattern means and consequently ofsaid first and' second levers aboutthe' axis ofi the' spindle,. the' effective length ofsaidy rocker arm tiallyV equal-tothe' effectivecombined lengthofthe first and second levers betweensaid pattern means andthe conection to said third "lever, and the eective'lengthof said second lever-being so controlledas to cause movement' of the rocker arm in-one transverse direction when'saidpattern' means -is 'movedin the opposite transverse directionand whereby the extent: of transverse movement' of the cutting means-will be substantially equal to the extent' of transverse movement of the pattern means a'n'dlmeans to said rocker arm for urging'saidI cuttingmeansl into' effective cutting relation' with' work l operatively connected on.' said'fwork table.

7. Ina-cuttinglmachine of the'character described,= a-

base;laspindleirotatable in said base andl carryingra lwork in aV pattern carried by said' pattern' means; said motion about the axis'r ofl said` table for rotation therewith, clamp means on said base operable to engage and clamp work on said work table, a rocker arm mounted on a shaft journaled in said base and overlying said work table and carrying cutting means adapted to engage work on said work table, pattern means at one end of the base rotatable in synchronism with said work table, motion transfer' pattern means and rocker arm for moving said rocker arm and cutting means transversely of the base in accordance with variations in a pattern carried by said pattern means, said motion transfer means comprising a rst lever in said base pivotal about the axis of said spindle and having lever and pivotal therewith about the axis of the spindle, and a third lever on said shaft for movement therewith and operatively connected with said second lever whereby rotary motion of said shaft Will result from is moved in the opposite transverse direction and whereby the extent of transverse movement of the cutting means means connected with said motion transfer means for rotating said shaft relative to said motion transfer means to adjust said rocker arm and cutting means independently of said pattern means.

8. In a cutting machine of the character described, a base, a spindle rotatable in said base and carrying a work table for rotation therewith, clamp means on said base operable to engage and clamp work on said work table, a rocker arm mounted on a shaft journaled in said base and overlying said work table and carrying cutting means adapted to engage work on said work table, pattern means at one end of the base rotatable in synchronism with said work table, motion transfer means connected with said pattern means and rocker arrn for moving said rocker arm and cutting means transversely of the base in accordance with variations in a pattern carried by said and having diametncally opposed long and short arms, said pattern means rotatably mounted on the long arm `and an operating arm mounted on said shaft for movement therewith and operatively connected with the short a-rm of said lever whereby rotary motion of said shaft will result from movement of said pattern means and consequently of said lever about the axis of the spindle, and size control means connected with said motion transfer means for rotating said shaft relative to said motion transfer means to adjust said rocker arm and cutting means independently of said pattern means.

9. In a cutting machine of the character described, a base, a spindle rotatable in said base and carrying a work table for rotation therewith, clamp means on said base clamp work on said Work table, on a shaft journaled in said base and overlying said work table and carrying cutting means adapted to engage work on said work table, pattern means at one end of the base rotatable in synchronism with said work table, motion transfer means connected with said pattern means and rocker arm for moving said rocker arm at one end of the base rotatable in synchronism with said work table, motion transfer means connected with said pattern means and rocker arm for moving said rocker arm pivotal about the axis cally opposed long and short arms, said pattern means rotatably mounted on the long arm 11. In a device of spindle rotatable in said base and carrying a work table on said work table, pattern means operatively connected wlth said rocker arm for moving. said rocker arm and cutting means transversely ofsaid work comprising a head having a said work onthe work table, carrying manual control means with. said movable toothedy given position of movement to'urge' saidmovableA to'otliedfv member intb meshed engagement with said ited toothedV member for renderingsaidsecone shan' anwesend-means immovable.

l2; In a device of the character described;y abase, aspindle rotatable in said base-4 andcarrying a'work tablev for rotation therewith, a rocker arm'mounted onv ashaftl journaled in said base having :aportion overlying said work tableand carrying cuttingl means'adapted'- to"l engage work'- on' said work table, pattern means opeatively connected with saidrocker arm for movingsaid rocker arm and cutting means transversely of said work table', and clamp means on said base'f'or olarnpinglworklon said work table comprising a headV having a' portior adapted'- to" engage?v said work on the work table,- a' second shaft rotatably mounted in said base'carryingA manual control means forA operation of said clamp means; clutch niearison said-second shaft for locking said'clarnp means', -said clutch means' comprising a' fixed toothed2 member' mountedl over said@ second shaft and secured to said base',a movable toothed? member freely rotatable on1 saidseco"`d shaft, yieldable spring tension linkage means connecting said movable toothedmember with said head, spring `rrleans connected with said? movable toothed member fon-urging it Vin'adirection away fromsa'id fixed toothedmember, anda member attached to said-second shaft for rotation 'there` with, said cammember being in p'ess'u'rey engagementv with said movable toothed memberV for causingrotary'r movement thereof to moveV said head into clampingen'- gagement with the work on said work' table; said carrimember being adaptedfataegiveii position-ofi riiovern'enty tourge said movable to'othed member" into n'x'e'shedI enl gagement with saidiixedA toothed me'rnber forY rendering said second shaft and"controlrneanslimmovable;`

155-. In-adevice of the character described, a"-ba'se' a spindle rotatable in saidbasefaiidica'rr'yin'g a work.y tableT fori rotation therewith',` arocker arm riiounted`- on a-shaft journaled in saidV base having af pbrtiori' overlyingsaid work table and carrying cuttingfmeansadaptedlto engage worl on said work table, patternmeans mounted on said` base, motion transfer means operativelyV connectingsaid' pattern means withsaid: rocker arin fort' moving said'2 rocker arm and cuttingmean'sftransverse'lyv of saidf-workvv table,` and clamp means on'said'base'ffor clampingwork on said work tabie comprising' ahead havirigf a portion' adapted toenga'gesaidvwork onthework table; a secondl shaft rotatably mounted in' said'basefattdcarryingrrianualt controlmeans'for operatiornoffsaidclamp means' on saidsecond shaft for locking said clamp means; said clutch means comprising afiixed ltoothed membermounted over saidl second shaftand securedfto saidbase, a movable toothed member freely rotatabteon said secondi'shaft'and operatively connected with said hea'd, springm'eans' connected withv said movable toothed member for urging it inra direction away tromsaidiixed-toothedmeinber, and a cam member attachedto said second 'shaft for" rota# tiontherewith, said cam member beinginfpressure en!" gagement with said movable-toothedfmember' for causing rotary movement'thereof to move Ysaid head into clampingI engagement'with the workonsaidwork'table, saidca'm member beingadapted, atV agiven position of'rnovement to urge said movabletoothed mem-ber intomeshed engagement with said-Xed-toothed memberfor rendering said second shaft and control'lmeans immovable, and means for causing outwardswingingmovement of said rocker arm upon reverserotation of'V said second shaft comprising a protruding: member on said-cam member and rotatable therewith, anda stop member-carried by said motion ltransfer means,-said vprotruding member beingadapted to -engagesaidstopvmember upon reverserota-v tionof saidsecondfshaft'and-to operate same to swingz said -rockcrarmoutwardly.

145 Ina devicefof the character described, a-'base`,f.a" spindle' rotatable in said-base and `carrying -a work` table;

i6 for rotation therewith, a tiltable rocker arm mounted on a-shaft jour'naled in said base having a portion overlying said work table and carrying cutting means adapted to' engage work on said work table, pattern means opera# tively connected' with said rocker arm for moving said rocker arm andcutting means transversely of said work table, andv clamp means on said base for clamping work on said work table comprising a head having a portion adapted to engage said work on the work table, a secondv shaft rotatably mounted in said base carrying manual control means for operation of said clamp means, linkage connecting said second shaft with said head, clutch means on said second shaft for locking said clamp means, and means for tilting'said rocker arm and cutting means carriedthereby comprising resilient means mounted in said oase and movable'in a direction parallel with said spindle and having a pivot member thereon, depressing means' on said' clamp means for engaging said resilient means' and controllingthe location of said pivot member with respect' to the surface of the work on slotted membercarried by said rocker arm, said pivot member being disposedfin said slotted member whereby the rocker armfmay swing transversely during a cutting operation` and simultaneously pivot about said pivot i memberI to cause'said cutting means to be automatically tilted' a predetermined amount, which amount is directly related to the combination of the transverse distance from' the' axis of said spindle to the engaging edge of said cutting means with the work and the and a horizontal plane passing through' said point of engagement of the cutting yedge' with the work;

l5'. ln a device'of the character described, a base, aL spindlerotatablef in said base and carrying a work tablel for' rotation therewith, a rockerona shaft journaledin said base arm pivotally mounted' having a portion over lying said'work table and carrying cutting` means adapted to engage-worlr=onsaid work table, pattern means operarocker arm for moving said` tively connected with said rocker' armand cutting means transversely of said worktable, andclamp means on'saidbase for clamping Work onI said worlctable comprising a head'having a portion adapted t'oengage said workon the Work table, a secondy shaft-rotatably mounted in said base carrying manual controluneans'K4 for operation of said clamp means, linkageY connecting said'second shaft with'said head, clutch means onsaid secondshaft for locking. said clamp means, and means for pivoting said rocker arm'relative tosaid shaft to position the cutting means thereon in a plane substantially normal to'the surface of thework at the point ofi engagement therewith comprising a` plunger member carried insaid base and movable in a direction substantially parallel withthe axis of said spindle, a rolleronk said'plunger member, means on said head for positioning said'plunger member to locatethe roller substantially in the plane of the center of said work, and a slotted guide member on said rocker arm receiving said roller, saidI rocker arm being adapted to move transversely ofy said work and'to simultaneously move about the axisof said roller during a cutting operation in accordance with the contour variations of the pattern means and the surface curvatures of the work.

16'.v In a-cutting machine of the character described, the combination of a-base having a rotatable work supportingtable thereon, a supportingl bar pivotally mounted on 'said'b'ase for rotary movement about an axis 'parallel to thevaxis'of rotation of saidwoik-supporting table, a plate pivotally connected adjacent one end thereof'to-'s'aid supportingfbar formovementeabout an axis substantially normal to v'the axis ofsaidpivot forsaid supportingfbar,

a cutteriarrnfpivotally mountedadjacent the oppositeend' ofY saidf plate-'fory tilting movement about an' axissub; stantiallyrparallel'to 'theais lof the pivotfor said plate, a cutter rotatably attached rto said cutter arm `adjacent'the' end-'thereof`- opposite its pivotal 'connection withthe'plate the work table, and avertical distance be' tween the center surface ofthe work and away from the axis of said work supporting table.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS .1,997,561 Lockhart Apr. 9, 1935 

